 |
|
Nguyen Tuan Linh and Tran Cao Van high school’s students. Photo N.S |
Nguyen Tuan Linh, who is carrying out the trans-Vietnam walking journey to call on support for Vietnamese AO/dioxin victims, stopped in Binh Dinh in three days (Feb. 19-21). Below is the talk with the 29-year-old man.
My task
“The dawn is rising. And after the unforgettable dawn I will begin an important task, a task of a beneficiary. Many Vietnamese people sacrificed to protect the country; the next generations who live in peace have responsibility for doing something. I have no illusions about changing anything at once; what I want is just a journey for share and sympathy…” (extracted from Nguyen Tuan Linh’s blog entry).
When did you have the idea of making a trans-Vietnam journey?
I had the idea in early 2004, but now I’m able to make the dream come true. In my hometown, northern province of Thai Binh, scores of people joined the army in the resistance wars and many became AO/dioxin victims after returning home.
I was deeply moved when witnessing the pain. Being angry about the US judge’s unjust verdict of the lawsuit of Vietnamese Agent Orange victims, I was determined to making a trans-Vietnam walking journey to call on the support for Vietnamese AO/dioxin victims.
How did you plan for the journey?
My journey has the length of 1900 km, starting from Dong Nai province’s martyrs’ cemetery on Feb. 3. I planned to walk through 21 provinces and cities along the national highway 1A and arrive at Hung Temple in northern province of Phu Tho on Apr. 4. I’ve spent nights at guest-houses or religious buildings during my journey.
I’ve tried to visit several families whose members are AO/dioxin victims and schools or universities to collect signatures for the lawsuit of Vietnamese Agent Orange victims when coming to any provinces and cities.
When I came to Binh Dinh, I’ve finished one fourth of my journey and collected 8,000 signatures.
Alone but not lonely
Linh didn’t receive any help before and during the journey. Before starting the journey, a company wanted to give him VND30 million and asked him to wear T-shirt with its logo. He refused and suggested that they should present money to the fund for AO/dioxin victims.
How could you afford the journey?
I’ve spent VND12 million making the journey. I intended to get married in late 2008, but if I got married, I couldn’t make the journey. I therefore had to persuade my parents to delay the marriage and they finally agreed.
What did your fiancée say?
Fortunately, she understands me. She lives in Binh Thuan province. We knew each other when participating in the Youth Union’s activities.
How about your life after the journey?
I will apply for a job at my old company. My fiancée and I will work hard to get married by 2010.
Did you receive any support for the journey?
Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin gave me the addresses of its affiliates so that I can contact them during the journey. Leaders of Dong Nai province also helped me a lot. My friends and relatives always phone me on the journey. I also had many friends when coming to some provinces and cities.
It will be better to travel with more than one but, as you can see, I’m alone but not lonely.
Special luggage
Why did you decide to walk?
Walking helps me to easily contact people. I decided to walk with the aim at raising many people’s awareness of the harmful effects of Agent Orange.
Have you faced any difficulties on the journey?
The journey from Bac Binh District to Tuy Phong District in Binh Thuan province and Ninh Phuoc in Ninh Thuan province was really hard. Along the road is sand without any trees. I walked till night without seeing any houses. Fortunately, I saw a house when I was to sleep outdoors.
Have you “reaped” anything so far?
I’ve practiced myself and feel more “mature”. The journey showed that the young generation don’t forget the past; they haven’t turned their back on the past.
What do you bring for the journey?
A hammock, properties, and some drugs for common diseases. Also, I brought with me a handful of earth I took at HCM City’s martyrs’ cemetery with the belief that martyrs will “support” me. When leaving for Hung Temple, I will take a handful of earth and some water there to make a Fatherland altar in my home.
| 
